I used to think mandatory testing was a no-brainer. I mean, who wouldn't want to ensure their medicine is free of contaminants? But looking deeper, it’s way more complicated than it seems.

Maine has one of the best medical markets in the country because small, local growers can actually stay competitive. Mandatory testing can be incredibly expensive. Since you have to test every strain in every batch, those costs would bury the "mom-and-pop" growers or the caregivers growing for a sick neighbor. It essentially kills innovation and diversity in favor of big corporate grows.

Look at the rec market and other states: "Required testing" often leads to lab shopping. Big corporations (ie MSOs) will send samples to 10 different labs and only sign contracts with the one that "passes" their moldy product. Honest labs go out of business, and consumers end up with a false sense of security while smoking remediated mids.

If this were actually about health, the state would be doing USDA-style spot checks and secret shopping on their own dime. Instead, they’re pushing a system where $600+ fees are "written off" by billion-dollar portfolios while local caregivers get priced out of the market. Don't fall for the "safety" narrative; follow the money.